Kendrick Perkins tabs Timberwolves as NBA Draft biggest winner with Rob Dillingham

Former Kentucky star Rob Dillingham heard his name called early on in the 2024 NBA Draft. Dillingham was selected with the No. 8 overall pick by the Spurs and was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

ESPN NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins loves the landing spot for Rob Dillingham and believes the Timberwolves were the winners of the first round. He spoke about the selection during NBA Today on Thursday.

“I think Minnesota, with the kid Rob. You know, best isolation player in college last year. He’s a walking bucket,” Perkins said. “I think Minnesota needs that. We saw in the postseason when they were playing against the Dallas Mavericks, Anthony Edwards needed someone to go get a bucket. No knock on Mike Conley or [Nickeil] Alexander-Walker, but you need somebody that’s a go-getter.”

Rob Dillingham is certainly that. In only 23 minutes per game last season, he averaged 15.2 points. Dillingham also shot 47.5 precent from the field and 44.4 percent from 3-point range.

He should be able to come in and immediately provide offense for Minnesota. The Timberwolves lack playmaking outside of Anthony Edwards. Dillingham should change that.

“Being there with Anthony Edwards, the mentality he brings, the hard work that he brings, and this kid just flat out got it,” Perkins said. “Jamal Crawford said something a few days ago. He said this kid already is going to have top-10 handles in the NBA. That’s how phenomenal of a talent he is with the ball in his hands.”

Rob Dillingham expected to sign contract worth four years, $28.5 million

The Minnesota Timberwolves have acquired the services of former Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham after the San Antonio Spurs traded him after selecting him with No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

According to Spotrac, Dillingham will sign a four-year, $28.5 million contract with the Timberwolves. That includes a two-year, $12.7 million guarantee with two club options. He’ll earn a $6.2 million salary during his rookie season.

Dillingham was selected in the lottery out of Kentucky. During his lone season in Lexington, he averaged 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 47.5% from the field and 44.3% from beyond the arc. For his efforts, he was rewarded with the 2024 SEC Sixth Man of the Year and an All-SEC Second Team member.

Before Kentucky, Dillingham played high school basketball at Overtime Elite, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 16 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Before being selected, however, Dillingham was simply excited to be in the position he’s in. With that mindset, Dillingham felt prepared for whatever is ahead.

“It doesn’t matter what pick I am, if I get picked 60th,” he continued. “I want to go to a team that trusts me and can help me build, and I can build with them, and make me better. I just want to help my team win, and they can develop me and teach me things.

“Anyone can be special if they put their mind toward it. Just have confidence. It’s about what you put your mind into.”